Answer:

Stress has long been believed to be a contributing factor in miscarriage, although proof of the relationship has never been firmly established. However, in 2006, a significant study showed that miscarriages during the first three weeks of pregnancy were nearly three times as common among women with high stress hormone levels as among women with normal levels.

Cortisol, often termed the "stress hormone," is released by the body during times of stress. Chronic stress can result in abnormally high levels of the hormone. In the 2006 study, women in rural Guatemala were 2.7 times more likely to miscarry if they had elevated cortisol levels, and 90% of women in the study whose cortisol levels were high miscarried in the first three weeks of pregnancy.

This study certainly suggests that stress may be associated with miscarriage. More research and larger studies are needed to clarify the exact relationship of stress hormones and miscarriage.

Thank you for your question.

Last Editorial Review: 12/26/2006

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